Does Tito's Vodka Have Sugar or Carbs? The Ultimate Guide

According to the official website and nutritional databases, a standard serving of Tito's Handmade Vodka contains zero sugar and zero carbs. This makes Tito's an extremely popular choice for those on low-carb or ketogenic diets, as the distillation process removes all residual sugars and carbohydrates from the fermented corn base.

Quick Summary

Pure, unflavored Tito's Handmade Vodka is a sugar-free and carb-free spirit suitable for low-carb and keto diets. The distillation process effectively eliminates all sugars from the fermented corn base, leaving only alcohol and water. The key to keeping drinks zero-carb is choosing appropriate mixers like club soda or diet sodas.

Key Points

• Zero Sugar, Zero Carbs: Pure, unflavored Tito's Handmade Vodka contains no sugar and no carbohydrates.

• Distillation Removes Carbs: The fermentation and distillation process effectively strips all carbohydrates and sugars from the base ingredient (corn).

• Keto-Friendly Option: Due to its zero-carb content, Tito's vodka is suitable for individuals on a ketogenic or low-carb diet.

• Mixers are the Culprit: The carb and sugar content in many vodka drinks comes from high-sugar mixers like juice, regular soda, or syrups, not the vodka itself.

• Healthy Mixer Alternatives: Stick to zero-carb mixers such as club soda, diet soda, or sugar-free flavored sparkling water to keep your drink carb-free.

• Gluten-Free by Nature: Because it is distilled from corn, a naturally gluten-free grain, and the process removes impurities, Tito's is considered a naturally gluten-free product.

Understanding the Distillation Process

At the heart of why Tito's and other pure distilled spirits contain no sugar or carbs is the distillation process. Vodka begins as a fermented mash made from a base ingredient, which, in Tito's case, is corn. During fermentation, yeast consumes the sugars in the corn and converts them into alcohol (ethanol) and carbon dioxide. This results in a low-alcohol liquid known as the "wash".

Next, the wash is heated in a still. Since alcohol has a lower boiling point than water, it vaporizes first. The alcohol vapor is collected, condensed back into a liquid, and purified. This process of heating, vaporizing, and condensing is repeated multiple times to increase the purity and alcohol content, leaving behind the non-alcoholic components, including all carbohydrates and sugars. The final product is a clean, neutral spirit consisting only of ethanol and water.

Tito's vs. Other Alcoholic Beverages

For anyone monitoring their carbohydrate or sugar intake, the distinction between different types of alcohol is critical. While pure spirits like vodka are a safe bet, many other popular drinks are not. This is due to added sweeteners, flavorings, or the inherent sugars present in the final product.

Here is a comparison of the carb and sugar content in various alcoholic drinks:

Beverage Type	Carb Content (per serving)	Sugar Content (per serving)	Notes
Tito's Vodka (unflavored)	0 g	0 g	Pure distilled spirit
Dry Red Wine	3–5 g	Low	Carb count varies by varietal
Dry White Wine	3–4 g	Low	Carb count varies by varietal
Light Beer	2–6 g	0 g	Check brand labels, can vary
Regular Beer	10–15 g	0 g	Contains residual malt sugars
Sweet Cocktails (e.g., Margarita)	20–30+ g	High	Sugary mixers are the main culprit

Avoiding Hidden Carbs in Vodka Mixers

While Tito's itself is free of carbs and sugar, the way you mix it can drastically change the nutritional profile of your drink. Many common cocktail mixers are loaded with sugar, which can quickly derail a low-carb diet. For example, a vodka cranberry or screwdriver (vodka and orange juice) can contain a significant amount of sugar and carbs.

To enjoy Tito's guilt-free, consider these zero-carb and low-carb alternatives for your cocktails:

• Vodka Soda: A timeless classic. Use club soda or sparkling mineral water with a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon.
• Vodka and Diet Tonic: Many brands now offer diet tonic water, but always double-check the label for sugar content.
• Sugar-Free Flavored Water: Use sugar-free water enhancers or unsweetened flavored sparkling waters for a burst of flavor without the sugar.
• Infused Vodkas: Create your own flavored vodka at home by infusing Tito's with fresh fruits or herbs like cucumber, lemon peel, or mint. This avoids the added sugars often found in pre-made flavored vodkas.
• Vodka Martini: A classic martini, made with vodka and dry vermouth, contains very few carbs (around 0.2 grams).

What About the Corn? Understanding the Source Material

A common point of confusion comes from the fact that Tito's is made from corn. Since corn is a carbohydrate-rich grain, some people mistakenly assume the final product must contain carbs. However, this misunderstanding ignores the transformative power of distillation.

Here’s how the process breaks down:

1. Fermentation: The yeast consumes the fermentable sugars in the corn, turning them into ethanol.
2. Distillation: This process separates the ethanol from the water and all other non-volatile compounds, including the leftover solids and any unfermented sugars or starches.
3. Purification: The result is a pure, clean spirit. The final filtering stage, often through activated carbon, further refines the product, ensuring a neutral, smooth finish with no remaining carbs or sugars.

Therefore, the corn base is merely the raw material that provides the fermentable sugars, which are then completely removed during distillation, leaving a final product that is zero-carb and gluten-free.

Conclusion

In summary, Tito's Handmade Vodka is a pure, distilled spirit that contains absolutely no sugar or carbs. The rigorous distillation process is responsible for removing all traces of carbohydrates from its corn base, making it a reliable option for those following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle. The key to a sugar-free drink lies in your mixer choices. Opt for carb-free mixers like club soda, diet sodas, or simply enjoy it neat or on the rocks to maintain your dietary goals. By understanding the science behind distillation, you can confidently include Tito's in your low-carb beverage options without worry.

For more information on nutrition facts for various foods and beverages, visit Nutritionix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Tito's vodka have any sugar?

No, Tito's Handmade Vodka contains zero grams of sugar. The distillation process removes all fermentable sugars, leaving a pure spirit.

Is Tito's vodka a zero-carb alcohol?

Yes, Tito's is a zero-carb alcohol. The distillation process purifies the liquid, separating the alcohol from all carbohydrates originating from the corn base.

What is Tito's vodka made from?

Tito's Handmade Vodka is made from corn. It is important to remember that despite its corn base, the finished product is carb-free because of the distillation process.

Is Tito's vodka keto friendly?

Yes, Tito's vodka is considered keto-friendly because it contains zero carbs and zero sugar. As long as you mix it with a keto-friendly, sugar-free mixer, it won't impact your diet.

Does flavored vodka have sugar?

Flavored vodkas may contain added sugars. It is essential to check the nutritional information or ingredient list for any flavored spirits, as the added ingredients can significantly increase sugar and carb content.

How many calories are in a shot of Tito's vodka?

A standard 1.5-ounce shot of Tito's Handmade Vodka contains approximately 98 calories. All calories come from the alcohol itself, as it has no sugar, fat, or carbs.

Why do some people think vodka has carbs?

The confusion stems from the fact that vodka is made from carbohydrate-rich sources like corn or potatoes. However, the distillation process is the key step that removes all carbs, leaving a pure alcoholic liquid behind.